Toyota has disclosed a breakthrough in battery technology that could dramatically reduce the weight, size, and cost of electric vehicle batteries. The Financial Times reports statements from Keiji Kaita, who leads Toyota’s carbon neutrality research and development center, underscoring the potential impact of this development in the race to make electrification more accessible and practical across markets in North America and beyond.
The Japanese automaker described a streamlined manufacturing process for the materials used in solid‑state batteries. This simplification is framed as a meaningful advance that could shorten charging times and extend driving ranges, addressing two of the most persistent hurdles facing electric vehicles today. In practical terms, if material production can be simplified without compromising performance or safety, automakers can scale up production more quickly and price batteries more competitively for consumers.
According to Kaita, the new approach could enable solid‑state batteries with a driving range near 1,200 kilometers on a single charge and the ability to recharge in under 10 minutes. While these numbers are ambitious, they reflect Toyota’s ongoing commitment to pushing energy density higher while maintaining robust thermal management and safety standards. The company targets mass production of solid‑state batteries in the 2027–2028 timeframe, a milestone that would position Toyota prominently in the evolving EV supply chain and influence downstream vehicle design, charging infrastructure, and regional adoption in North America and other markets.
Meanwhile, in a different sector blip of automotive news, a Belarusian enterprise formerly led by a factory head announced the upcoming production of the BelGee X50 crossover. The news adds a layer of context to the broader regional push toward electrified crossovers and the diversification of manufacturing footprints across Europe and adjacent markets. Industry watchers note that shifts in production lines, supplier ecosystems, and new battery technologies collectively shape the pace at which electric vehicles reach a wider audience and the kinds of models available to families and fleets alike.